The inscription on T-shirts and face towel souvenirs at the tribute concert stated ‘Jon Lives On’, and that positive vibe was what permeated the atmosphere at the +233 Jazz Bar & Grill in Accra on the evening of Saturday, July 20.

The weather was dull and there were intermittent showers in most parts of the nation’s capital on the day. That threatened to mar the programme to remember the late music producer, keyboardist, singer-songwriter, and recording artiste on the 25^th anniversary of his passing.

Close relatives, friends, colleague musicians and general music lovers, however, defied the elements and stayed on for an upbeat celebration.

Bessa Simons and his Bessa Band were in top form as they backed Paulina Oduro, Pozo Hayes, Amandzeba, Joe Osei and Okyeame Kwame for delightful renditions of Jon K compositions and some material of their own.

They all said they were proud to be part of the concert. Hiplife star Reggie Rockstone made a cameo appearance. Many at the venue danced their hearts out.  

A documentary on Jon K was screened before the music started. It allowed folks who knew the man from different perspectives to share their views on aspects of his personality, work ethics, and musicianship.

People who spoke in the documentary included his brothers, sisters, and close relatives; businessman Richard Prempeh with whom he produced the ‘Taxi Driver’ television series;

 guitarist Kari Bannerman; singers Paulina Oduro and Nana Yaa and actor George ‘Aboagye’ Quaye of ‘Taxi Driver’ fame.

Others were cinematographer Kofi Asante; Juliet Asante of the National Film Authority; film producer/director Kwame Boadi and Kojo Acquaah-Harrison, an Adisadel College classmate who also sang backing vocals on some of Jon K’s recordings. 

It was an emotionally difficult moment for Jon K’s widow, Dr Stephanie Gallat who came in from Italy with their two children -Jade and Luke - for the remembrance event. 

She spoke of how they first met in Accra in 1994 and the shock of her husband suddenly passing away when she was pregnant with their second child. She expressed gratitude to Jon K’s family for constantly making her and the children feel part of them.

Luke said though he was born six months after his father’s demise in July 1999, he had grown to discover his music and other creative ventures and was extremely proud of him.

In his own way, Jon K touched many lives and contributed significantly to different areas of artistic achievement in Ghana and beyond. The clear outpouring of love and admiration for him at the tribute concert indicated how much people still treasure his accomplishments.

GLICO sponsored the tribute concert.